Bong Naturalist Association

Shakespeare in the Park: MacBeth Workshop
2023-06-09 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #3, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
MacBeth Workshop!
Come early and enjoy a unique outdoor workshop prior to the Summit Player’s performance of MacBeth! Join us for a fun, play-specific educational workshop on Shakespearean history, language and characters.
These workshops are specifically built for children ages 8 and up, but younger children and “fun adults” can still have plenty of fun and learn things they never knew about Shakespeare!
The workshop at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
The performance and workshop are offered free of charge to all visitors.
Park admission is required.
The MacBeth Story: Three witches visit brave warrior Macbeth with a vision of the future: he will be crowned king of Scotland. Determined to do whatever it takes to make this prophecy come true, he embarks on a ruthless quest for power. A web of secrets, trickery and danger entangles Macbeth, his wife Lady Macbeth, his rival Macduff and countless others as he claws his way to the top. Six actors play all the parts in this spooky, free, all-ages play.

Knee-High Naturalist: Turtle Tales
2023-06-08 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Blanding’s Turtle Crossing
Bring your 3 to 5-year-old and discover turtle fun! What do turtles eat and where do they live? Learn about their shells and eggs!

Registration: Please call (262) 878-5609 at least 48 hours in advance.
We ask that you please call to cancel if you cannot come.

Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome. Our goal is to provide environmental education through stories, crafts, hiking and playing outdoors.
We always plan to be outside, so please dress accordingly! Program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Observe the Night Sky!
2023-06-03 21:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Open Astronomy Tonight!
Get the chance to look through special telescopes and binoculars at the incredible night sky.
Bring your own telescope or binoculars and learn how to use them or take a peek through the special equipment brought by our volunteer astronomer, Tom!
If the skies are clear you are welcome to come see the night sky! Sessions start approximately 30 minutes after sunset and usually last for 1 – 2 hours.
Meet at Parking Lot F near the observation tower.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Solar Viewing
2023-06-03 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-20 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Solar Viewing Today!
Come see the Sun through special telescopes designed to safely look at the Sun and learn about our star.
See if you can notice sunspots or maybe even solar flares!
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. if the Sun is out and skies are clear!
**Parking Lot by Shelter 2 and the NEC entrance.

Nature Faire!
2023-06-03 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Faire is back!!
Join Richard Bong State Recreation Area for our Nature Faire!
When: Saturday, June 3rd from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Shelter 1

Nature Crafts: Crescent wreath, seed paper, plant markers,
kindness rocks
iNaturalist Training: Learn how to use this special app to get the
most out of your encounters with nature.
Bake Sale: Purchase some tasty, home-made treats and help
support the Bong Naturalist Association.
Solar Viewing:
Located in the parking lot near the NEC entrance (by Urban Pond)
1-4 p.m.
Use a special telescope to observe the sun!
Nature Explore Classroom:

Pollinator Hunt: Search for fake pollinators hidden around the
NEC. Can you find all of the bees, bats, and butterflies we hid?
Animal Yoga: Try out some of the animal yoga poses that are
posted in the climbing and crawling area of the NEC.
Movin’ to the Music: Head to the music and movement area for
an instrumental jam session and dance party!
Beach Party: Pretend you are at the beach with the fun beach
elements added to the our sand box play area!
Nature Art Areas: use the extra art supplies provided in the Nature
Art Areas to make leaf rubbings and nature drawings.
Live Snake Encounter: Experience the special opportunity to
touch our education snakes and learn about what makes them
such unique and amazing creatures. Find us in Gathering Area
2 of the NEC from 10-10:45 a.m. and again from 12-1 p.m.
Visitor Center Solarium
Book Sale: Support the Bong Naturalist Association and find a
good book to read. Take your book out into nature and find a good
spot to enjoy it!
Nature Explore Classroom Art Celebration – 11 a.m.
Gather near the NEC Entrance Gate at Gathering Area 1 for the
special celebration of the unique tin art pieces made by our
volunteer Terry!

This will be day filled with exciting nature activities, including live reptile encounters, crafts, and a fishing clinic.
This is also the DNR Free Weekend, so entrance to the park is free!
Meet at Shelter 1.

Live Snake Encounter
2023-05-27 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Detroit), 2023-04-08 14:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago), 2023-04-01 14:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Learn all about snakes and how they eat! Then watch as our education fox snake Mickey is fed a mouse! You will even get the chance to touch or hold our education snakes. Meet in the Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Observe the Night Sky
2023-05-20 20:30 - 22:30, 2023-05-06 20:30 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States

Spoon Spinners Craft
2023-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Class 2: Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Could not attend the earlier class? We are offering a second session!
Make a spinner to hang from a tree or a Shepard’s crook in your garden. All materials and tools will be provided. There is a $12 class fee for your first spinner, and you can make more for an additional fee of $6 each.
**Meet at the BNA Volunteer Shed north of Hwy 142 on Rhodes Road. There are no restrooms available at this location.
This class is suggested for ages 10 and older Children should be accompanied by an adult. Registration is limited.
Registration is required: (262) 878-5609 Please RSVP by May 17th.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Spoon Spinners Craft
2023-05-20 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Class 1: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Make a spinner to hang from a tree or a Shepard’s crook in your garden. All materials and tools will be provided. There is a $12 class fee for your first spinner, and you can make more for an additional fee of $6 each.
**Meet at the BNA Volunteer Shed north of Hwy 142 on Rhodes Road. There are no restrooms available at this location.
This class is suggested for ages 10 and older Children should be accompanied by an adult. Registration is limited.
Registration is required: (262) 878-5609 Please RSVP by May 17th.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Spring Flowers Watercolors
2023-05-17 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Paint note cards or small paintings of spring flowers. Materials are all provided. Learn watercolor techniques and create something unique!
Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
There is no class fee for this event, but please reserve your spot by calling (262) 878-5609. This class is suggested for ages 12 and older.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Snake Encounter!
2023-05-13 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago), 2023-05-06 14:00 - 14:30 (America/Detroit) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States

Terrific Turtles
2023-05-13 13:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Meet our two education turtles and learn about what makes these awesome creatures so special!
Then, see these reptiles in action! Watch our painted turtle and snapping turtle feeding.
Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Bird Migration Hike
2023-05-13 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago) | Vista Picnic Area, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Experience the astonishment of migration. Bring your binoculars (or use ours) and we’ll look and listen for newly arrived birds, especially the warblers. The trail may be wet.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee-High Naturalist: Fantastic Flowers
2023-05-11 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Discover the joy of flowers! We will plant seeds in containers, that will eventually help beautify our Nature Explore Classroom.

Registration: Please call (262) 878-5609 at least 48 hours in advance.
We ask that you please call to cancel if you cannot come.

Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome. Our goal is to provide environmental education through stories, crafts, hiking and playing outdoors.
We always plan to be outside, so please dress accordingly! Program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Adopt a Highway
2023-05-09 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Come one, come all!
May 9th at 5:00 PM. While safety vests will be provided please also wear bright colors; apply tick protection; wear proper footwear: and bring water! For everyone’s safety, please do not bring children or pets.
Meet at the Visitors Center parking lot on time to get your gear and divide into groups.
This is open to anyone who wants to make Bong the best it can be!
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Solar Viewing!
2023-05-06 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Solar Viewing Today!
Come see the Sun through special telescopes designed to safely look at the Sun and learn about our star.
See if you can notice sunspots or maybe even solar flares!
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. if the Sun is out and skies are clear.
**Parking Lot by Shelter 2 and the NEC entrance.

Knit and Crochet Clinic
2023-05-06 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Bring your questions and any problems you’re having with a project. Maybe you will even learn a new stitch or technique! This class is great for beginners and those of all ability levels. Walk in after 11 a.m. and join us!
This class is suggested for ages 8 and older if accompanied by an adult.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Make a Mosaic Birdbath
2023-04-29 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Make a birdbath using a terracotta plant saucer and broken plates. All materials will be supplied. Make your own design or use inspiration from one of the design books that will be available to view. This program is best suited for adults or children 12 or older.

Please pre-register for this program by calling 262-878-5609
Class Fee: $15

All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Earth Day Hike
2023-04-22 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Celebrate Earth Day at Richard Bong State Recreation Area with a Spring Hike with our Naturalist. Learn about the seasonal changes plants and animals are experiencing. Trail TBD based on trail conditions. Meet in the Visitor Center Parking Lot.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Early Bird Hike
2023-04-22 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Bring your binoculars, or use ours, to look and listen for newly arrived migrants as well as resident birds. Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot. Trail TBD.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway
2023-04-18 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Join us for our first 2023 Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, April 18th! Please arrive at the Bong Visitor Center parking lot promptly at 5:00pm to get your safety vest and other gear.
Please wear bright colors; apply tick protection; wear proper footwear: and bring water! For everyone’s safety, please do not bring children or pets.
This is open to anyone who wants to make Bong the best it can be. Need service points….NO PROBLEM…we can sign you off.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee-High Naturalist: Wiggle Worms
2023-04-13 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
We will look for worms under rocks and logs and look at worm castings.

Registration required: Please call (262) 878-5609 at least 48 hours in advance.
We ask that you please call to cancel if you cannot come.

Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome. Our goal is to provide environmental education through stories, crafts, hiking and playing outdoors.
We always plan to be outside, so please dress accordingly! Program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Getting Ready for Earth Day
2023-04-08 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Make a small stepping-stone (materials fee: 2 stepping stones for $5). There will also be reduce/reuse/recycle activities available for free. These include making cards & envelopes from calendars and planting a terrarium from soda bottles.
Also, listen to a storytelling of The Lorax at 10 a.m., and again at 11 a.m.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Spring into Fitness Hike
2023-03-30 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
The after-work hikes continue! We will either walk Rhodes Road (paved road north of 142) or the Blue Trail, depending on trail conditions. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. This event is weather dependent, it will be canceled in the event of rain.
Pets on a leash are welcome!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Spring Crescent Moon Wreath
2023-03-26 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Start spring with a new wreath for your door or wall. Make a rustic grapevine wreath or moss-covered wreath on a wire frame. Add spring silk flowers to welcome the spring season.

Please pre-register by calling 262-878-5609.
Meet at the BNA Volunteer Shed north of Hwy 142 on the service road–Rhodes Road.
Class Fee: $15

All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
